Tech puts lid on non-conference slate with shutout win over ETSU

Tech puts lid on non-conference slate with shutout win over ETSU


By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech soccer team closed out its non-conference campaign in grand fashion Sunday afternoon, blanking East Tennessee State University, 1-0. 

A fast start did the trick for Tech (2-7-0), as the Golden Eagles wasted no time in jumping on the scoreboard behind a third-minute goal from senior Shannon Rountree. The score marked the first of the season for the Tamarac, Fla., native, while fellow senior Ellie Iaciofano picked up her third assist of the year on the play, and second in as many matches.

Rountree led all players in the tilt with four shots-on-goal, part of an attack that saw the Golden Eagles with twice as many shots-on-goal as the Buccaneers (10-5).

"Overall, it was a great team effort," fourth-year head Coach Daniel Brizard remarked after the match. "This is the sort of result that we have been on the verge of getting, so it was nice to get a win for the effort."

The one-goal advantage proved to be enough for TTU sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Brown and the rest of the Golden Eagle defensive unit. With five saves, the League City, Texas native notched her first shutout of the year and fourth in her career. 

"Defensively, we remained calm and disciplined throughout the match," Brizard said. "Jordan came up with some key saves to preserve the shutout and the back four remained strong and committed."

One of those "back four" that Brizard spoke of, senior Leigh Heffner, played 90 more minutes today to put her within just 25 minutes of the TTU all-time record for most minutes played.

As far as ETSU is concerned, the Bucs equaled the Golden Eagles with 19 total shots, but were unable to crack Brown and the rest of the Tech defense.

East Tennessee goalkeeper, freshman Anna Yancey, made six saves on the day. 

The Golden Eagles will remain on the road for the start of Ohio Valley Conference play this week, kicking things off with SIUE on Friday. Action is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CDT.